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slotsjuice444 · 3 years ago

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God Of Gambling

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God Of Gambling Chinese

Caishen (simplified Chinese: 财神; traditional Chinese: 財神; lit. 'God of Wealth') is the mythological figure worshipped in the Chinese folk religion and Taoism.He has been identified with many historical figures, viewed as his embodied forms, among whom Zhao Gongming (趙公明, Wade–Giles: Chao Kung-ming; also known as Zhao Gong Yuanshuai 趙公元帥 'Lord Zhao the Marshal'), Fan Li. Hermes is the Greek god of gambling, profit, hazard, and gaming. Hermes was the winged messenger of the gods. He was the god of flocks, road, trading, commerce, thieves. He is also known as Mercury in Roman Mythology. His father is Zeus, the ruler of the Greek gods. Thoth is the Egyptian god of gambling.

Started in 1989 by the prolific Wong Jing, the God of Gamblers series has been continuing to entertain audiences for the past 27 years. Starring some of the biggest stars in Hong Kong cinema, Chow Yun Fat, Andy Lau, Stephen Chow, Tony Leung Ka Fai, Ng Man Tat, Leon Lai, Nick Cheung, Donnie Yen and a lot more, the series has had its ups and downs, but each film usually has something for most Hong Kong cinema fans. Incorporating sequels, spinoffs, unofficial spinoffs and even spinoffs of spinoffs, the God of Gamblers series is truly one of a kind.

God of Gamblers – 1989

This is where it all started. Probably the best film from Wong Jing (some would argue that it wouldn’t be difficult), God of Gamblers is a multi genre film including high comedy, drama, action and even more comedy. Chow Yun Fat plays Ko Chun, the God of Gamblers of the title. After an accident knocks him seven shades of silly, he is taken in by Knife, played by Andy Lau. After Knife realises the idiot savant’s gambling powers, he decides to exploit him for all he’s worth. Like most Hong Kong comedies, there are major tonal shifts. One minute you are laughing at one of Chow’s many pratfalls, only to have his wife murdered and raped (and I did get that the right way round) in the next scene. Fans of Hong Kong cinema will not be surprised by these tonal changes, as it really is the norm with these films. It is not hard to see why Chow Yun Fat would have been interested in the role of Ko Chun, as it gives him a chance to show his range. He gets to be his usual suave self at the beginning of the film, until he becomes like Dustin Hoffman’s Rain Man. He also still gets a number of action scenes, which after his success with John Woo was probably expected. Andy Lau is also good, considering his character is a bit of a dick. Considering the only reason that he initially helps Ko Chun is because he caused his accident, he is not exactly what heroes are made of. Fortunately his character is quite funny and has good chemistry with Yun Fat and his leading lady Joey Wong. Throw in a decent supporting cast of Charles Heung, Ng Man Tat and the always welcome Shing Fui On all go to make God of Gamblers a film not to be missed.

All for the Winner – 1990

The first of the unofficial spinoffs. After the success of God of Gamblers a number of Hong Kong movies went in to production to cash in. All for the Winner was one of these. What sets it out from the crowd of imitations was down to the rising star power of Stephen Chow Sing Chi. Due to this film he went on to become the biggest box office draw in Hong Kong. All for the Winner also went on to become the highest grossing film in Hong Kong history at the time of its release. The plot concerns mainlander Sing (Chow Sing Chi), who travels to Hong Kong to visit his uncle played by the excellent Ng Man Tat. Like Andy Lau’s character in God of Gamblers, Man Tat can’t really be bothered with Sing until he finds out about his gifts, which in this film is his ability to see through objects. From that all matter of hi-jinks ensues, with Man Tat exploiting his nephew’s gift. Co-Directed by Yuen Kwai (Cory Yuen) and comedy king Jeff Lau, All for the Winner is nowhere as slick as the film it takes inspiration from, and is quite uneven. The film does have a number of great action scenes, unsurprisingly as they are directed by Yuen, and the laugh ratio is very high. This was also the first film to realise the great partnership Chow and Ng Man Tat could make. The reason All for the Winner is included in the main God of Gamblers series as Chow and Man Tat took their characters into the main series in God of Gamblers 2.

God of Gamblers 2 – 1990

The first official sequel to the smash hit God of Gamblers unfortunately doesn’t star Chow Yun Fat. On the plus side his replacement is Stephen Chow, which makes this sequel somewhat sillier and than the original. It is also a lot funnier. Chow; along with Ng Man Tat play the same characters from All for the Winner. This is where the series starts to get slightly confusing in terms of what films are deemed cannon, as this movie is both a sequel to the original God of Gamblers and the unofficial spinoff/rip-off All for the Winner. Andy Lau returns as Knife, and is this time along with Chow, is promoted to lead duties. The plot is just an excuse for Lau and Chow to get into comedic situations. The addition of Chow to the film means that there is slightly less action than the previous movie, but there is still enough to keep you entertained, with Charles Heung showing up in his shell-suit to kick ass when needed. It is best not putting too much though into this series as actors do appear in multiple films, sometimes as different characters, such as Ng Man Tat who appeared in the first God of Gamblers as a villain but is now on sidekick duties.

God of Gamblers 3: Back to Shanghai – 1991

This is when the God of Gamblers series went totally bonkers. Probably the best of the three Gamblers films to star Stephen Chow, it is also the most like a full on Stephen Chow comedy. The plot includes time travel, doppelgangers, musical numbers and a number of extremely violent action scenes. This time round Sing is accidentally sent back in time to 1930’s Shanghai. Whilst there he meets up with the effeminate grandfather of his Uncle (also played by Ng Man Tat), and gets himself involved in a triad war by befriending gang boss Ray Liu. The film ends up like most of the God of Gamblers in a large gambling tournament, with Chow using his magic against the villains. God of Gamblers 3 had everything fans of the series had come to expect, with more thrown in for good measure. The film also has a bit of gravitas by having mainland star Gong Li show up in a dual role. This wasn’t the only film she made with Stephen Chow, as she also showed up in Flirting Scholar, so she obviously enjoyed working with him. Unfortunately this is the last of the God of Gamblers to date to star Stephen Chow.

The Top Bet – 1991

Technically not officially part of the God of Gamblers series, but it has been included as it is a spinoff/sequel to All for the Winner. Chow Sing Chi sadly doesn’t return but Ng Man Tat does along with Directors Jeff Lau and Yuen Kwai. The film concerns Man Tat looking for a suitable replacement for his nephew. This time round there is more of a female focus with Carol Cheng and Anita Mui being the stars of the film. Unfortunately The Top Bet can’t live up to the original, with a lot of the jokes not hitting their target. It is just another typical 90’s Hong Kong comedy, livened up a bit by its game cast, and some good action scenes.

Return of the God of Gamblers – 1994

After five years, Wong Jing finally tempted Chow Yun Fat back to his signature role of Ko Chun. Although not as entertaining as the original, the sequel is still great fun and has a great supporting cast including Tony Leung Ka Fai, Chingamy Yau, Wu Chien-Lien and the scene stealing Elvis Tsui. The story involves Ko Chun, who has now immigrated to France, living with his pregnant wife (Cheung Man). The usual bad guys show up to challenge Ko Chun. Typical of a Hong Kong comedy, this challenge includes killing Ko Chun’s wife and cutting out her unborn child from her stomach. They then proceed to put the foetus in a jar. Even I thought this was too much. Fortunately the film does get somewhat lighter after this, but still does involve a number of violent action scenes. Tony Leung is great in a purely comedic role. Wu Chien-Lien seems to be brought in to add a bit of dramatic weight to proceedings. Charles Heung also shows up in his obligatory role of Lone Ng. Add in the always excellent Elvis Tsui and you have a cast that is almost every bit as good as the original. There seems to be more ridiculous comedy throughout this sequel compared to the original. I think this may have been done to keep it more in line with the sequels that starred Chow Sing Chi. On a side note, Cheung Man once again plays Ko Chun’s wife. She also played his wife in the original God of Gamblers, but that was a different character. It always seemed strange to me that they got Cheung Man to play this part in the sequel as it implies that Ko Chun is a bit twisted and married a woman because she was identical to his first wife. Cheung Man also appeared in All for the Winner and God of Gamblers 2 and God of Gamblers 3 each time playing a different character. That makes five appearances in this series as a different character. This is just par for the course with this series.

The Saint of Gamblers – 1995

A lesser film in the God of Gamblers series. Wong Jing attempted to resurrect the franchise with a new actor replacing Chow Yun Fat and/or Chow Sing Chi. Unfortunately he cast the mugging Eric Kot. Luckily Ng Man Tat returns as Uncle Tat to at least make the film enjoyable. Donnie Yen also makes a brief appearance as Lone Seven, brother of Lone Ng. Must be bad when you can’t get Charles Heung to make an appearance. There isn’t really much of a plot to speak of, just the usual story of the lead being challenged and ending up in a gambling competition. Kot’s character has magic powers like Chow Sing Chi in the previous movies, so the card games are played for laughs. There is fun to be had with Saint of Gamblers, but fans of the previous movies should lower their expectations.

God of Gamblers 3: The Early Stage – 1996

A prequel to the original God of Gamblers, this one does have a confusing title, being the second film in the series to have the name of God of Gamblers 3. Don’t let this put you off, as this is one of the better entries in the series. Leon Lai subs for the absent Chow Yun Fat, as Ko Chun. Lai has never been the greatest of actors but is great here and has the right look for the young version of the God of Gamblers. The plot involves Ko Chun being betrayed by his partners and coming back for revenge the only way he knows how. By gambling with them. Jordan Chan shows up to steal the film as Lone Ng, replacing Charles Heung. There is a bit of ret-conning going on in the movie, as Ko Chun and Lone Ng meet for the first time in God of Gamblers, but meet for the first time in this prequel, which contradicts the original film. This is a minor complaint considering the other things that have went on in this series. The movie also seems to have higher production values than some of the previous movies in the series and a quality supporting cast including my favourite Francis Ng and Anita Yuen. The prequel also is less reliant on comedy than previous entries. Sure there are funny scenes, but nothing as crazy as Stephen Chow’s additions. The action scenes are great, with Jordan Chan doing most of the hard work, although Leon Lai does get involved. This would be the last proper God of Gamblers film although there would be spinoffs and rip offs. I have covered some of them below as they do tie in to the main series but others such as the Conman, Conman in Vegas and Conman 2002 I have left out as it is unclear if they are actually canonically part of the franchise although do share elements. All I can say about them is that Conman is quite boring, Conman in Vegas is slightly better and Conman 2002 is crap.

Conman in Tokyo – 2000

Wong Jing takes a backseat in this addition to the God of Gamblers franchise, handing over directing duties to Ching Siu Tung. The film is pretty much more of the same, with Louis Koo now taking over as the lead. Koo plays Cool, who is the successor to the Knight of Gamblers, which was played by Andy Lau in the God of Gamblers film. This is the only part of the film that actually ties this to the main series, other than the usual crazy hi-jinks that are expected in a Hong Kong gambling movie. Koo is great in the lead role, and it is easy to see how he has become one of Hong Kong’s best leading men. Although he should lay-off the sun beds. Sidekick duties are taken up by Nick Cheung, who is great here and would only go on to better things. Cheung was also part of Wong Jing’s Conman films, but plays a different character in this. Yusuaka Kurata also takes part and proves that he can still kick ass. Some of the comedy scenes miss the mark completely, although some parts can be hilarious. Action scenes are good, but are a bit lacklustre considering they had the great Ching Siu Tung behind them. Although a fan movie, it doesn’t compare to the greats of the franchise but is heads above the Top Bet and Saint of Gamblers.

From Vegas to Macau – 2014

Essentially a God of Gamblers film in everything but name. Chow Yun Fat is back, along with Wong Jing, co-directing with Billy Chung. Yun Fat stars as former gambling King Ken who gets involved with Nicolas Tse and Chapman To, who want to be his apprentices. This just gives the film the usual excuse to have the cast get involved in crazy situations and action. This is a big budget production as it was co produced with China. This means that the films content could never match up to the original God of Gamblers, as the censors have to be appeased. In this day and age adjustments have to be made, and at least this enabled the production to get Chow Yun Fat back in the starring role. The film still has that Wong Jing flavour with everything but the kitchen sink thrown in. Some of the action scenes are especially well done with Philip Kwok and the excellent Zhang Jin showing their worth. The main other reason that it fits into the God of Gamblers series is down to the film’s final scene having a cameo from Ko Chun, also played by Chow Yun Fat. This is a fun scene but also makes you wonder why Wong Jing and Chow Yun Fat didn’t just go ahead and make a proper God of Gamblers sequel.

From Vegas to Macau 2 – 2015

Wong Jing returns once again to the gambling den. Co-directing this time with Aman Cheung, he delivers more of the same, which is not as enjoyable as the first From Vegas to Macau, but still makes for an enjoyable time at the movies. This time round there seems to be even more money thrown at the screen, with quite a bit of globe-trotting going on. A large part of the film takes place in Thailand, and the action scenes are much larger in scale. It also seems to have learned from the first, that fans really like to see Chow Yun Fat with a gun in his hand, preferably one in each hand. The sequel is also much sillier than the first with Ken this time having a Robot butler, who he shouts abuse at. Some critics moaned about this addition. I though as silly as it was, it was quite amusing. Nicolas Tse doesn’t return for the sequel and is replaced by Shawn Yue as an Interpol Agent. This is a fair trade, and Yue actually seems to get more to do than Tse did in the first film. Other additions to the cast are Nick Cheung, who seems more than happy to be back in comedy mode after years of doing purely dramatic roles. This is probably the funniest he has been in a long time. Carina Lau is also on hand as Ken’s old girlfriend/villain. The only drawback of this is the scenes Lau and Fat share drag the film out, and add to an already unnecessary run time. If you were a fan of the first From Vegas to Macau there is no way you are going to miss this one. The final scene this time has both Ko Chun (Chow Yun Fat again) and Knife (Andy Lau) appearing.

From Vegas to Macau 3 – 2016

From Vegas to Macau 3 proved to be the most controversial of the series, with a lot of critics and the public seemingly boycotting the film over Wong Jing’s supposed political leanings. I don’t really understand some peoples thinking. Of course Wong Jing isn’t going to bad mouth China. That is where he makes his living. The film also garnered some extremely poor reviews which I suspect were written before even seeing the movie. I am not saying that it is an excellent film, but it is still good fun, and is no worse than the previous two in the series. If anything it is slightly better than the sequel, with the added bonus of Andy Lau returning in a leading role as Knife, from the God of Gamblers. Out of the three movies, From Vegas to Macau 3 has the most ties to the Original God of Gamblers, with Ko Chun as a main character this time round starring alongside himself as Ken. It is also the silliest out of the three, including a robot romance and a transformers style fight scene. From Vegas to Macau 3 also has the most star power with Chow Yun Fat, Nick Cheung, Andy Lau, Shawn Yue, and Carina Lau from the previous movies and with the new addition of superstar Jacky Cheung and Charles Heung reprising his role of Lone Ng from the original God of Gamblers. Everyone involved seems to be enjoying themselves, and although it none of their best work, you can’t help being taken in by it all. Behind the camera, there isn’t only Wong Jing. He is assisted by Andrew Lau of Internal Affairs fame and also by Billy Chung. I suppose it is a bit confusing that this needed three directors, as sometimes it seems that the actors were left to their own devices. Some of the special effects are also poor, but kind of compliment the overall wacky tone of the film.

Bible verses about gambling

Many people wonder is gambling a sin? Although there might not be a clear cut verse from what we learn in Scripture I strongly believe it is a sin and all Christians should stay away from it. It is terrible to see that some churches are bringing gambling in the house of God. The Lord is not pleased.

Many people are going to say, well the Bible doesn’t specifically say you can’t do it. The Bible doesn’t specifically say you can’t do a lot of things that we know as sin.

Many people find any excuse they can give for what is wrong, but just like Satan deceived Eve he will deceive many by saying, did God really say you can’t do that?

Quotes

“Gambling is the child of avarice, the brother of iniquity, and the father of mischief.” – George Washington

“Gambling is a sickness, a disease, an addiction, an insanity, and is always a loser in the long run.”

“Gambling can be just as addictive as drugs and alcohol. Teens and their parents need to know that they’re not just gambling with money, they’re gambling with their lives.”

“Gambling is the sure way of getting nothing for something.”

Gambling is of the world, it is very addicting, and it will cause you harm.

Gambling is loving something that is part of the cruel world, not only is it dangerous especially back in the days where many were being plotted on and murdered for their money. Gambling is very addictive, you can go into a casino one day thinking I’m going to spend this much, then leave without your car. For some people it’s that bad and it can become even worse.

I’ve heard many stories about people losing their lives for owing money and people losing their lives by committing suicide because of the money they lost. Many people have lost their houses, spouses, and kids over their gambling addiction. You might say that I don’t gamble that much, but it doesn’t matter. Even if it is small fun gambling it is sin and it should not be done. Always remember that sin grows overtime. Your heart becomes harder, your desires become greedier, and it will turn into something that you never saw coming.

1. 1 Corinthians 6:12 “I have the right to do anything,” you say–but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”–but I will not be mastered by anything.

2. 2 Peter 2:19 They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves of depravity–for “people are slaves to whatever has mastered them.”

3. 1 Timothy 6:9-10 Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

4. Romans 12:2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is his good, pleasing and perfect will.

5. Proverbs 15:27 The greedy bring ruin to their households, but the one who hates bribes will live.

Gambling leads to more sin.

Not only does gambling lead to deeper and deeper covetousness, but it leads to different types of sin. When you go to the movie theater and buy popcorn they make it extra buttery so you will buy their expensive drinks. When you go to casinos they promote alcohol. When you are not sober you will be trying to kick back and spend more money. Many people who are addicted to gambling are also living in drunkenness. Prostitutes are always near casinos. They entice men who seem like high rollers and they entice men who are down on their luck. It is not a surprise that most casinos promote sensuality and women.

6. James 1:14-15 but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.

Scripture teaches that we are to be on guard against covetousness.

7. Exodus 20:17 Do not covet your neighbor’s house. Do not covet your neighbor’s wife, his male or female slave, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.

8. Ephesians 5:3 But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints.

9. Luke 12:15 Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”

As Christians we are to fix our attitudes on money.

Dnd God Of Gambling

10. Ecclesiastes 5:10 Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. This too is meaningless.

11. Luke 16:13 “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”

What is your eye gazing upon?

Your chance of winning the lottery on a single ticket is one in 175 million. That means that someone has to really be greedy and have dreams of riches to still try and play the lottery. You have to pay for more and more tickets because of your greed and what you are really doing is emptying your pockets because of your covetousness.

Most gamblers throw money away. Most people who go to casinos lose money that could have been used for paying bills or on the less fortunate, but instead people would rather throw it away. It is wasting God’s money on evil, which is similar to stealing.

12. Luke 11:34-35 Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eyes are healthy, your whole body also is full of light. But when they are unhealthy, your body also is full of darkness. See to it, then, that the light within you is not darkness.

13. Proverbs 28:22 Greedy people try to get rich quick but don’t realize they’re headed for poverty.

14. Proverbs 21:5 The plans of the diligent lead surely to advantage, But everyone who is hasty comes surely to poverty.

15. Proverbs 28:20 The trustworthy person will get a rich reward, but a person who wants quick riches will get into trouble.

We are to be hard workers.

The Bible teaches us to work hard and worry about others. Gambling teaches us to do the opposite. In fact, many of the people who play the lottery are poor. Gambling destroys something that God intended for good. You have to understand that the devil is using it to destroy the foundation of work.

16. Ephesians 4:28 Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need.

17. Acts 20:35 In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.

18. Proverbs 10:4 Lazy people are soon poor; hard workers get rich.

19. Proverbs 28:19 Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies will have their fill of poverty.

Gambling and betting is giving the appearance of evil.

What would you think if you went inside a casino and you saw your pastor holding money in one hand and rolling dice in another? That picture just wouldn’t look right would it? Now picture yourself doing the same thing. Society does not look at gambling as being honest. The betting industry is a dark world filled with crime. Google treats gambling websites like pornography websites. Gambling websites contain a lot of viruses.

20. 1 Thessalonians 5:22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.

Many churches want to turn God’s house into a place to play bingo and other gambling activities, which is wrong. God’s house is not a place to make profit. It is a place to worship the Lord.

21. John 2:14-16 In the temple courts he found people selling cattle, sheep and doves, and others sitting at tables exchanging money. So he made a whip out of cords, and drove all from the temple courts, both sheep and cattle; he scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. To those who sold doves he said, “Get these out of here! Stop turning my Father’s house into a market!”

Gambling is not trusting in the Lord.

One of the greatest problems of gambling is it takes away from trusting in the Lord. God says I will provide for your needs. Satan says roll the dice there might be a chance that you win and become filthy rich. You see the problem. When you trust in God nothing is by chance. God provides for our needs and God gets all the glory. Gambling is showing that you don’t really trust in the Lord.

22. Isaiah 65:11 But because the rest of you have forsaken the LORD and have forgotten his Temple, and because you have prepared feasts to honor the god of Fate and have offered mixed wine to the god of Destiny.

23. Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.

Reminders

24. Proverbs 3:7 Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the LORD and turn away from evil.

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25. Proverbs 23:4 Do not wear yourself out to get rich; do not trust your own cleverness.

In conclusion.

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You have a higher chance of being struck by lighting than winning the lottery. Most gambling is not made for you to win. It’s made for you to dream about what if I did win. Gambling fails in its attempt to give people hope because most people spend thousands of dollars for nothing. Just take a thousand dollars and throw it in the garbage that is exactly what gamblers do over the course of time. When you have greed you will always lose more than you gain. Gambling is bad for your health and it violates many Scriptures as seen above. Seek hard work and trust in the Lord with your income.

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fayewonglibrary · 5 years ago

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HAPPY TOGETHER (2002)

By Vivienne Chow

PUT FOUR STARS in a movie together, add a history of strained working relationships and light the blue touch paper with a hectic shooting schedule. It’s just a matter of time before the fireworks begin.

Or not, according to Tony Leung Chiu-wai, Faye Wong, Chang Chen and Vicky Zhao Wei. Contrary to Chinese press reports of a sour atmosphere on the set of the comedy Chinese Odyssey 2002, the four stars insist they got along splendidly - and more, that the intensity of the shooting enabled them to get to know each other well. “We were just like a big family,” says Leung, still hot property after winning best actor at Cannes in 2000 for his portrayal of a news reporter in In The Mood For Love. “We ate and drank together. It helped get everybody involved in their characters.” Leung’s relief is palpable. Nine years ago, when he and Cantopop diva Wong starred in the off-beat and gritty romance Chungking Express, the pair hardly made eye contact once the cameras had stopped rolling. Leung says the new Wong is a different woman.

“Last time we worked together, we didn’t talk much,” he says.

“This time, she was very friendly and cheerful. She joked with me all the time. I never realised she could tell jokes. Unlike other experienced actors, she doesn’t act according to a formula. She is unpredictable - acting with her is definitely fun.” Wong, too, admits to a more mature outlook. “This was the first time for me to get to know Tony,” she says. “I didn’t speak to him at all during Chungking Express. Now I realise communication between actors is essential. I was always seeking advice from him.”

Communication had to take a back seat in favour of hard graft, however. Leung, Wong, Taiwan’s Chinese Odyssey 2002 star Chang and mainland actress Zhao, who recently shone in Shaolin Soccer, were bound together in Shanghai with only two frantic months for filming.

The abrupt schedule which ended last month was timed to allow the film’s release in Hong Kong and across the mainland for the lucrative Lunar New Year period. Chinese Odyssey 2002 is a comedy set in the Ming dynasty and is produced by award-winning director Wong Kar-wai (In The Mood For Love, Happy Together) and directed and written by Jeff Lau Chun-wai, who revealed his talents in comedies such as A Chinese Odyssey (no relation to the new film) and The Legendary La Rose Noire.

A classic tale of tangled love, it is the story of Princess Wu Shuang (Wong) who, with her older brother Emperor Zheng De (Chang), often sneaks out of the palace dressed as a man.

They meet Li Yilong (Leung) and his younger sister Phoenix (Zhao), vicious gangsters from a small town. Confusion reigns when the princess falls for Li just as his sister Phoenix finds herself head over heels in love with the princess in her guise as a man. Naturally, Zheng De is in turn smitten with love for Phoenix.

Even the experienced Leung says the film provided a whole new experience for him. He admits he had to throw in everything he learned over the past 20 years. “I had to sing, dance, cry, laugh and ride a horse. I have never been in any film like this before,” says the 38-year-old. “I have no confidence when it comes to singing, but I had to perform three duets with Faye Wong.” As most of Leung’s recent films have been melancholic dramas, he sees Chinese Odyssey 2002 as a breath of fresh air. “I enjoy making comedies because I can be happy every day,” he says. “I prefer films with good gags and a touching and solid storyline, like this one. Good comedy scripts are rare in Hong Kong. This one is complete and detailed. Without a script like this, there is no way we could have finished the film so quickly.”

For Wong, 32, Chinese Odyssey 2002 is a comedy debut. She is better known for her somewhat serious and aloof image. To imagine her making an audience giggle seems, well, inconceivable. “Don’t think that I don’t have a sense of humour,” she protests. “Comedy is difficult for me if I have to do those exaggerated facial expressions but my role is not required to do that. The comical effects come from the story itself.” Comedy was also new to Chang, who played Zhang Ziyi’s love interest in Crouching Tiger. The 25-year-old says he was worried before shooting began. “My friends say I don’t have any sense of humour so I didn’t understand why I was chosen. And having to play Faye Wong’s older brother was very strange because I’m younger than her and I am less experienced.

Fortunately, the costume helped a lot.” Chang admits he was intimidated by the Cantopop queen, his long-time idol. “I have been listening to her music since I was in school. I secretly took my Walkman when I did my military service just to listen to her songs.

[On the set] I dared not talk to her. All I managed to say was: ‘Hi, are you working now?’ and: 'Bye, you off?”’

Wong says she did her best to be friendly and natural. “I noticed [Chang] didn’t come up and talk to me much. He was very shy. But I tried my best to be as normal as possible. What can I do?” she says.

Leung says Chang has grown up a lot since they worked together on Happy Together in 1997. “The last time we worked together he was just a kid but now, with more life experience, Chang is getting better,” he says. Chang in return says Leung helped boost his confidence. “He taught me a lot. He kept telling me: 'Don’t worry, you can do it.”’ For Leung, time was the key pressure (apart from the singing). Over the previous six months, he had been working in Hanzhou on the set of Hero, a martial-arts extravaganza by critically acclaimed Chinese director Zhang Yimou, and had to get permission to take time out to shoot Chinese Odyssey 2002. Although the tight schedule allowed him to take part, he says it still came as a shock when he realised he had only 20 days to shoot his scenes.

“It sounded impossible but I understand this is the style of Wong Kar-wai’s film company, Jet Tone - making impossibilities become possible. We worked almost 20 hours every day. They only took two takes for each shot. I nearly returned the money to the company and quit after the first few days. I didn’t even have the chance to say goodbye to the crew [when his filming finished]. I was dragged to a coach back to Hanzhou immediately after the last shot at 6am. It was very sad.”

Working under Jeff Lau Chun-wai’s direction is in contrast to Leung’s usual style, he says. “For instance, shooting a Wong Kar-wai-directed film can last up to two years, where the first six months are just the warm-up exercises. I’m so used to the slow filming progress.

’'Usually I have two shots in the morning, then I hide in the coach eating and resting during the day, followed by two shots in the evening. Making this movie was just like fighting in a war.”

Inevitably, there were looser moments. Zhao says getting a little drunk in the interests of the film was one of them. “There was a scene in which Tony, Faye and I were getting wasted,” she recalls.

“It was hard, so we really had a few drinks before shooting that scene. All of us kept giggling.” It was the first time Leung had worked with Zhao and even amid the drunken takes he was impressed with the 25-year-old Beijing star. “She is very professional,” he says. “She didn’t challenge the director’s instructions as I did when I started out. She delivered all of her performances very well.”

Wong and Zhao were at pains to play down press reports during the shoot that they didn’t get on with each other. “One day I was sitting on my own, far from Faye, Tony and Chen but that moment was caught by the press and they started making up stories of me not getting along with them,” Zhao says. Wong also dismisses such suggestions and says she even sought advice on acting from the Beijing Film Academy-trained Zhao. 'She is a very simple girl, not fussy about anything,“ Wong says. ’'As we share the same language, we talked a lot.” It is Wong, arguably, who has learned the most from the brief but intense experience, notably a joy in film-making.

“Filming Chungking Express was a nightmare for me,” she says. “I didn’t have the confidence to act at that time. I had no idea what I was doing and I had to act out many embarrassing situations. ’'But Chinese Odyssey 2002 has been such good fun. Jeff’s direction was very clear and he taught me how to do it. I want to know more about acting.” Leung agrees. “The spirit and atmosphere throughout the whole film were incredible,” he says. “I really hope there will be a sequel. It just depends on whether the boss is willing to invest.”

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SOURCE: SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST

#2002

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styledbyanton · 6 years ago

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Styled by Anton Mak & Kellie Chan

Produced by Khalil Fong@ JTW and Derrick Sepnio@JTW Arranged by Khalil Fong All instruments by Khalil Fong@JTW Strings by Khalil Fong and Bill Meyers Recorded and Edited by Jeff Li@FuMusicStudio Mixed by Richard Furch Mastered by Chris Gerhinger

Assistant Director Dunhill Lam Director of Photography Nathan Wong Focus Puller Ng Wing Yin Steadicam Assistant Dion Choi Camera Assistant Stone Lam Gaffer Wong Chun Wai Electrician Ng Man Hon & Lo Siu Hong & Lau Chung Wai Production Crew Pixel Ivan@20th century boys & Beatrix Chow Editor Lin Chan Colorist Dunhill Lam Stylist Kellie Chan & Anton Mak Hair Stylist Carr Cheng @ number8 Make up Artist Jessicachan_makeup

#khalil fong #ten reasons #方大同 #StyledbyAnton

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deltamovies · 7 years ago

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Birth of the Dragon Free Full HD watch online & movie trailer

Release Year: 2016

Rating: 3.9/10 ( voted)

Critic's Score: /100

Director: George Nolfi

Stars: Billy Magnussen, Terry Chen, Teresa Navarro

Storyline Set against the backdrop of 1960s San Francisco, BIRTH OF THE DRAGON is a modern take on the classic movies that Bruce Lee was known for. It takes its inspiration from the epic and still controversial showdown between an up-and-coming Bruce Lee and kung fu master Wong Jack Man – a battle that gave birth to a legend.

Writers: Stephen J. Rivele, Christopher Wilkinson, Billy Magnussen, Terry Chen, Teresa Navarro, Billy Magnussen, Terry Chen, Teresa Navarro, Vanessa Ross, Ron Yuan, Philip Ng, Darren E. Scott, Natalie Stephany Aguilar, Christina July Kim, King Lau, Felix Chu, Steven Roberts, Yee Jee Tso, Yu Xia, Jeff Mosley, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Cast: Billy Magnussen –

Steve McKee

Terry Chen –

Frankie Chun

Teresa Navarro –

Upscale Chinatown Pedestrian

Vanessa Ross –

Tourist

Ron Yuan –

Tony Yu

Philip Ng –

Bruce Lee

Darren E. Scott –

Vince Miller

Natalie Stephany Aguilar –

Upscale Chinatown Restaurant Patron

Christina July Kim –

Ship Passenger

King Lau –

King Lau

Felix Chu –

Boat Passenger

Steven Roberts –

Beat Poet

Yee Jee Tso –

Winston Peng

Yu Xia –

Wong Jack Man

Jeff Mosley –

Chinatown Pedestrian

Country: China, Canada, USA

Language: English, Mandarin

Release Date: 3 Jan 2016

Technical Specs

Runtime: 103 min

Did You Know?

Trivia: Martial artist, actor, and stuntman Mike Moh campaigned for the role of Bruce Lee in the film. See more »

User Review

Author:

Rating: 1/10 Is this a joke? I am here to see Bruce Lee but they put the focus on some white guy, Steve McKee (Billy Magnussen).

I got nothing against white guys, but what is he doing as the focus of a Bruce Lee biopic? I noticed a very disturbing pattern in Hollywood. They can't seem to be happy with Asian men in the lead role even in their own biopic.

You may think I am kidding but look at all the ways they've whitewashed history eg The Conqueror – Genghis Khan played by John Wayne, Attila The Hun starring the guy from 300.

Is it a coincidence that kulturemedia (search it) has a database of this sort of thing?

But that's just the beginning. Instead of celebrating what a beast Bruce Lee is, they make him out to be some insecure and jealous loser who is butthurt over Steve McKee's success (in the film that is) Seems more like a character assassination, rather than a biopic.

There's the whole "hostility to the fact that Lee's students include Caucasians." This is very one sided because it doesn't account for the century+ of rampant racism and war crimes committed by Caucasians against the Chinese including the opium wars holocaust, eight nation alliance, and the stealing of Hong Kong. None of that is mentioned.

All in all, this is a terrible film. I would not recommend it for Bruce Lee fans as it tarnishes his true history with half baked lies and even focuses on some Caucasian instead.

Feels like it was the director who was jealous of Bruce Lee's success.

The post Birth of the Dragon appeared first on The Movie Entertainment of the 21st Century!.

from http://ift.tt/2xAjIYq

#Birth of the Dragon #Action #Movies

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experimentik · 7 years ago

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Marie Takahashi + Ame Zek

16.08.2017 / 20:00 -

Duo:

Marie Takahashi - viola

Ame Zek - prepared 12 strings guitar

https://www.facebook.com/events/326202277820075/

Marie Takahashi, modern and baroque violist, improviser was born in Sapporo, Japan, in 1985. Marie has studied in Japan, France, and Germany. She was a member of orchestras in Japan, France and Hungary(festival) but her curiosity and passion for small ensembles led her to become a chamber musician. Her ensembles vary from period string instruments duo to quartet including live electronics. She is also active in collaborating with visual artists such as VJs, painters, photographers and film makers. https://m.soundcloud.com/marietakahashi

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Ame Zek is an electroacoustic musician, guitar player, and composer.His interest and work is based on experimental, electronic, contemporary, improvised, spatial, acoustic, noise, and new music. Instruments, sound sources and tools used in his work vary from different types of prepared guitars, acoustic percussions, self made objects, contact microphones,analog modular synthesizer, amplified feedback speakers, magnetic field microphones and digital midi machines. Since 2007 he is actively participating and playing in Berlin different scenes.

-2007 doing sound design for Native instruments Machine -2010 releasing an album as DShK in collaboration with Guido Henneboehl -2012 participation & collaboration with sax player and composer André Vida’s album ''Brud – Volume 1-3'' -2014 releasing an EP album “Rostfrei”- limited 300 vinyl edition -2015 being part of CTM selection for the SHAPE platform -tape release ‘'Streams'’ on Cloudchamber recordings -2016 contribution and collaboration with Jeremy Woodruff on Trump protest album compilation from Notes From Sub-Underground that features contributions from Matana Roberts, Michael Pisaro, Bob Bellerue, Lea Bertucci, String Noise, Mallory Catlett/Black-Eyed Susan, Bill Dietz, Dither Guitar Quartet, Shayna Dunkelman, Jim Findlay, Richard Foreman, Nick Hallett, Brian Harnetty, James Ilgenfritz, Bonnie Jones, Catherine Lamb, Zach Layton, Paula Matthusen, Phill Niblock, Object Collection and more. -2016/2017 started organizing and playing together with guests musicians ''reanimation nights''concerts in Caffe Wendel. including guests artists Jeff Kaiser,Antonis Anissegos,Eliad Wagner,Jeremy Woodruff,Keith O’brien,Roy Caroll,Jorgos Dimitriadis,Anil Erasian,JdZazie,Andre Vida,Ingolfjur Wilhjamsson,Otto Horvath,Martin Lau,Robert Reingle,Denitsa Mineva,Hui-Chun Lin,Ulrike Brand,Elo Masing,Hannes Buder,Adam Goodwin,Jack Adler Mckean,Sylvia Hinz,Marcello S.Busato... In continuous research,use and exposure of micro tonalities and micro noises and overtones relations of the sonic material his main interest and occupation remain ‘’the sound'' with its unique sonic characteristics.Driven by dissonances and feedback resonances Ame Zek’s music world gradually becomes organic dimension.Being constantly on the way of looking for new approaching and developing of his own strategies of music making, he lives and works in Berlin. http://amezek.com/

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fayewonglibrary · 5 years ago

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THE ICE QUEEN OF CANTO (2002)

Faye Wong was known for her scalding temper as much as her singing but now she’s cool, collected and very much in control. Don’t believe the hype, she tells Vivienne Chow.

“The truth doesn’t matter any more,” intones a calm and collected Faye Wong, when she is asked whether her relationship with Cantopop star Nicholas Tse Ting-fung is on the rocks. She leans purposefully back in her comfy chair, snaps a bite out of a square of French toast and summons her assistant for another packet of Mild Seven cigarettes. It isn’t so easy to rile Faye Wong any more.

Three years ago, it would scarcely have been noteworthy had the pop diva launched herself at me across the table and jammed the toast into my eye. At a press conference at Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in 1999, Wong lost her temper when an inquisitive journalist from Singapore submitted a question about her divorce from Beijing rock star Dou Wei. She screamed at the reporter, told her it was no one’s business but her own and stormed out in the kind of dramatic huff only stars seem able to carry off.

All I get is a cheerful, perhaps defiant smile and a puff of cigarette smoke. Wong appears only too happy to consider the question, despite the over-anxious butt-in from another assistant, who says: “Would you please cancel that question!” - intent on smothering the 32-year-old singer. Quite obviously, however, she can take care of herself.

“I’ve already answered it,” Wong cuts in. Well, actually, she hasn’t. What she has said is this: “The main function of the entertainment press is to get stories that are entertaining but sometimes the truth may not be as juicy as you imagine. Even if I answer the questions honestly, they still make up stories. They have their own ideas on how my private life should be. I have no desire to change that image so I choose not to answer. In this way they can continue to write whatever they want to.”

So she’s answered by questioning the question’s validity - that old celebrity trick - but at least that toast is staying on her side of the table. “Sometimes the entertainment news about me covers details I have never heard before,” she says. “I quite enjoy reading the stories myself. I’m just so fascinated by this. But I’m not keen to tell people who I am or explain to people what I have or haven’t done. Now I don’t really mind what has been written about me.”

That’s about as close an answer as anyone’s likely to get from Wong on the state of her relationship with Tse, who is 11 years her junior. Not that you can really blame her. Since the couple walked out of a private function, hand in hand, two years ago, they have been pursued relentlessly by the paparazzi.

And that’s hardly surprising, given Wong is the undisputed queen of Cantopop and Tse, a Cantopop star himself, is also the son of 1960s heart-throb actor Patrick Tse Yin and actress Deborah Lai. That was more than enough star quality to send even the most haggard entertainment hack into a frenzy when the couple’s romance was first revealed. Now there are rumours of a parting of ways, the gossip machine is again moving into overdrive.

But Wong has learned to be philosophical following the often fanatical media interest surrounding her marriage to Dou in 1996 and divorce three years later. “I’m more open-minded now,” she says. “At the beginning, I got upset quite often by the way I was portrayed in the newspapers and how people saw me. But since I can’t ask the entire world to change for me, I now look at these matters in a positive way.”

Until, that is, her five-year-old daughter by Dou, Ching-tung, is added to the mix. Ching-tung has been the subject of cut-throat press clamour since even before she was born. The battle to publish the first photograph of Wong pregnant resulted in a court case between rival newspapers Oriental Sunday and Apple Daily. The Oriental Sunday snapped the slightly swelling singer in the baggage lounge of Beijing Airport in October 1996 - the first confirmation that the star was expecting - and took Apple to court after it printed a spoiler story on the front page, including the picture, on the same day.

Since then, even the little girl has had to run the press gauntlet. On February 1, Chinese-language entertainment magazine Sudden Weekly published photographs of Ching-tung at the Hong Kong International School and ran an interview allegedly conducted with her on her way to the school in Repulse Bay. The interview claimed the youngster said Tse hadn’t visited her mother for some time. Wong was understandably furious. And for a moment, as she recounts the episode to me, the expression that darkens her face would, I know, have been terrifyingly familiar to the unfortunate reporter at the press conference three years ago. Wong leans forward. She’s more serious now. The interview never took place, she says. “I checked with my maid and spoke to my daughter. She has never done this kind of interview before. Sure, she might have said hello to someone but there couldn’t have been enough time for her to tell a reporter so many details.

"I understand people want to read about her and she cannot escape from being harassed because she is my daughter. It is not harmful if they make up stories about me but she is only a five-year-old child. Can’t the public sacrifice a little bit of their curiosity so the child can grow up in a healthy environment? Can’t they at least just wait till she’s older?”

Up close, it’s easy to see why Wong’s face graces so many magazine covers. She has beautiful, big round eyes. She says her tall and slender figure requires little maintenance, even after she gave birth to Ching-tung. And Wong is a trend-setter. What she wears will often become the hottest fahsion items of the season - even though she seems to be the only person able to carry off what are often quirky designs.

Born in 1969, Wong moved to Hong Kong with her family from Beijing at the end of 1987 when she was 18. Her enthusiasm for singing led her to the respected voice coach Tai Sze-chung and , at just 20, she was recommended by Tai to Cinepoly, with which she secured a record deal.

In 1989, Wong released her debut album, Shirley Wong Ching-man, a stage name she then used, which won her Commercial Radio’s Ultimate Female Newcomer(Bronze) award. In 1991, she left for the United States to study music. When she returned the next year, she released the album Coming Home, which became her first platinum record. She retrieved her real name, Wong Fei - Faye Wong - in 1994 and has so far made 22 studio albums.

In 1997, Wong announced she would make no more Cantonese albums when she left Cinepoly for global giant EMI. But she does sing the occcasional Cantonese song in addition to the records in Putonghua. “It is a marketing decision,” she says. “To sing well, one has to master the language in order to deliver the best sound. Putonghua is my native tongue so naturally I’m more confident with this language. But records are considered a commodity and we must take sales into account.”

Wong’s singing and songwriting talents, if widely recognised, are often tagged under the “alternative” label, although she has been voted best female singer on numerous occasions in Hong Kong, the mainland and Southeast Asia, and took the best alternative song composition trophy last year at the CASH Golden Sail Awards in the SAR with Han Wu Jie.

This kind of success usually brings a measure of satisfaction, so how does Wong still find herself singing songs she deosn’t particularly like? “I enjoy performing my own compositions but my taste in music is too off-mainstream and only a few people appreciate that,” says Wong, who has covered songs by Tori Amos and collaborated with Cocteau Twins. “I know what the masses like and I know they skip my compositions and listen to the commercial tracks. Hong Kong is not like Japan, where it accomodates various musical styles. I have too many business partners and I must consider their interests as well. I’m more mature now and I strike a balance between my personal interests and commercial value.”

Thus, she is promoting her new film. It is the Lunar New Year crowd-drawer Chinese Odyssey 2002, her fourth film, in which she plays opposite Tony Leung Chiu-wai. It is also a testament to her new, more-mellow attitude. When she last played opposite Leung in Chungking Express in 1994, Wong barely spoke to her co-star. This time, in a hectic two-month shoot over Christmas, she says the pair got on well. Leung told the South China Morning Post she “seemed like a different person this time. She is very cheerful and friendly.”

Wong plays the role of Princess Wu Shuang, who escapes from her palace for fun, often disguising herself as a man, only for both a man and a woman to fall for her. “Filming Chungking Express was painful for me because I had no idea what I was doing at all,” she says. “But Chinese Odyssey 2002 was an enjoyable experience - though I didn’t have time to sleep. The team spirit was fantastic.”

But it’s not just her character that changed between the two movies, she insists. Wong Kar-wai, the director of Chungking Express, and Jeff Lau Chun-wai, who wrote and directed Chinese Odyssey 2002, were two extremes. “As I am not confident and experienced with acting, I need demonstrations on how to act,” she says. “Jeff gave me very clear direction: he is willing to teach, whereas Wong Kar-wai did not want me to understand what was on his mind. I just had to perform what he told me to and some of the situations were quite embarrassing. Sometimes I didn’t have a clue what I was doing. It was good for me because there was no need for me to analyse the character. But now I want to know more about acting.”

In Wong’s 1994 song Exit, she describes herself as having a lack of patience. That’s one thing that has not changed. After 30 minutes, a clutch of cigarettes and a snack attack of toast, she gets up with an “Is that OK?” and has exited left before even her hovering assistants can pretend it was their idea.

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SOURCE: THE SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST

#2002

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